Running snobbery

Bridgerunner

Just wonder what people might think of this , I was talking to a mate of mine who is a good runner and has been running for a few years now, we were talking about the operation transformation 5ks coming up and i was saying that they were a great idea especially for new runners and I was thinking of doing it but he looked at me in horror and said he wouldn't be caught dead at one !!!!!

Just wondering if people had come across this before, what I would call running snobbery ,

summit2summit

I'm an experienced runner and plan to do the event to give it some support.

Ososlo

summit2summit wrote: »

I'm an experienced runner and plan to do the event to give it some support.

I wouldn't say you'd need to "give it support" to be honest. They "sell" out really quickly every year. Personally I'd leave it to people starting out as I'd hate to think a beginner couldn't do it as the places were taken up by more experienced runners.
As for running snobbery, yes there's lots of it about just as there is in all facets of life!

ultraman1

As above theres assholes everywere...

rom

I personally wouldn't do one or a fun run either. Not snobbery but simply not an event I would be interested in. I would help out with one though. I find it funny that there are always 1 or 2 that are at the front on these that take it very seriously.

Cabaal

I personally wouldn't do one, its not that I see anything wrong with them or anything like that...I just have no interest in doing one. But as already noted by something else, I'd rather leave the event to people that need the motivation to do such a run, after all thats the idea behind it.

I think overall its a great thing for people to do though, even if only 1 out of every 10 people sticks to the exercise its worth it in my view.

TFBubendorfer

Ososlo wrote: »

As for running snobbery, yes there's lots of it about just as there is in all facets of life!

I don't think that's true, by far the most runners I know are very much down to earth and generally very encouraging and supportive towards new runners.

Ososlo

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I don't think that's true, by far the most runners I know are very much down to earth and generally very encouraging and supportive towards new runners.

Maybe if you were at the slower end of things you'd see things differently.
I was nearly taken out of it on the footpath by fast Clonliffe runners running 4 abreast last night so was feeling a bit sensitive. They acted as if they didn't even see me and believe me I was well lit up! Maybe that's not snobbery but just ignorance. It wasn't the first time it happened either.

However, this forum is exceptionally supportive of new and slower runners and that's why most of us stick around!
I think it's a little bit naïve to say that there's no snobbery in the running community.

menoscemo

Bridgerunner wrote: »

Just wonder what people might think of this , I was talking to a mate of mine who is a good runner and has been running for a few years now, we were talking about the operation transformation 5ks coming up and i was saying that they were a great idea especially for new runners and I was thinking of doing it but he looked at me in horror and said he wouldn't be caught dead at one !!!!!

Just wondering if people had come across this before, what I would call running snobbery ,

I think there is a lot of reverse snobbery in these things as well.
I opened a thread on this a few years ago (first OP 5k I think) and any runners from the forum who showed interest in doing it were put down. Basically the attitude was 'this race is not for you'. Pretty funny thead actually
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056166431

Pacing Mule

summit2summit wrote: »

I'm an experienced runner and plan to do the event to give it some support.

Mrs Mule just went to sign up and found that entry is now closed as race is full.

PaulieC

It's a real shame that those 5000 or so folks did not have the self discipline to start exercising off their own bat and not have to wait for a TV program to tell them what to do.

Arbiter of Good Taste

Maybe not snobbery, but I find some runners to be pig ignorant. Try walking in Phoenix Park and coming across some of these guys and gals running two, three, four-abreast. More often than not I get pushed or shouldered off the path. The path is for all walkers and runners to share. Surely it's the people who are taking up the full path to move over, and not push other sole users off the path.

My hubby runs so I'm not trying to make a blanket judgement, but it just seems to happen a hell of a lot.

Krusty_Clown

but he looked at me in horror and said he wouldn't be caught dead at one !!!!! Just wondering if people had come across this before, what I would call running snobbery.

I wouldn't be caught dead at an Operation Transformation 5k. Call it snobbery if you like, but I think that a bit of a disservice. It's not aimed at my demographic and I have no interest in participating in an event tied to a 'reality tv'-style show. It is certainly commendable, as it is trying to change the lifestyle of those who have come close to rock-bottom in a positive way, as well as encouraging exercise, but at the end of the day, it's another tv show tie-in, by a company that responsible for other 'greats' like 'The HIT', 'Superstar Ding Dong', and 'Neville’s Doorstep Challenge'.

To be honest, I'd prefer to see those who participate in Operation Transformation taking responsibility for their own lifestyle, rather than having it determined by a series of TV shows, radio programs and podcasts, as I reckon they'd have a greater chance of maintaining their regime, but whatever works to get people on the right path.... I just don't see any reason I should be judged, for not wanting to be a part of it.

ThisRegard

I'd be surprised you get pushed or shouldered off the path to be honest.

Pacing Mule

PaulieC wrote: »

It's a real shame that those 5000 or so folks did not have the self discipline to start exercising off their own bat and not have to wait for a TV program to tell them what to do.

I think you are making assumptions there.

I know in mrs mules case for example a group of her friends started walking to get fit independently of and before the program even started and this was a race they were interested in when made aware of it. The interest was actually driven by the fact it was a beginners race and they wouldn't feel too out of place doing it.

Krusty_Clown

Pacing Mule wrote: »

I think you are making assumptions there.

I know in mrs mules case for example a group of her friends started walking to get fit independently of and before the program even started and this was a race they were interested in when made aware of it. The interest was actually driven by the fact it was a beginners race and they wouldn't feel too out of place doing it.

You should point them at Parkrun.ie. There may be one nearby. A very wide spread of standards, and best of all - free.

nerraw1111

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

'Superstar Ding Dong',

I thought you made that up.

There are idiots everywhere. Some of them walk, run, cycle or drive. Normal services will resume in February.

Ososlo

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Normal services will resume in February.

ha ha sad but true.

Gavlor

It's the same in every sport. The top gaa players tend to look down on the lokes of junior b players. Semi pro footballers look down on Sunday morning footballers who in turn look down on 5 a side players when it comes to talking about/analysing a game.

Circle of life!

intellectual dosser

In fairness a 'proper' runner would look like a bit of a show off coming in within 20 minutes while the majority of the people are struggling to keep running for the entire 5k. I think there's plenty of snobbery in all walks of life, but I don't think this is an example.

maguic24

ThisRegard wrote: »

I'd be surprised you get pushed or shouldered off the path to be honest.

In fairness, I'm guilty of this. I run round the block and I get so irrationally angry with people in my way. I actually felt like buying shoulder pads and shouldering the f*ckers out of the way.

I do my best to dodge walkers and I run at night, not in the park, round the block. I haven't been having many encounters with people lately because of the weather and the pitch black but it really grinds my gear when I try my best to avoid people but they still block me. Whenever I see a runner, I will move out of their way as best I can. I went to dodge a guy during the summer when I was running and he actually stepped into my way? What the fudge??

I thought I was going to completely lose the rag when I took part in the womens mini marathon, walkers in the jogging section. >.< I get sooo annoyed and impatient.

I know I don't own the footpath but either do the walkers!! I try my best to not get in peoples way but I definitely think some people have a thing against runners! Thank god for winter!!

Krusty_Clown

maguic24 wrote: »

In fairness, I'm guilty of this. I run round the block and I get so irrationally angry with people in my way. I actually felt like buying shoulder pads and shouldering the f*ckers out of the way.

I do my best to dodge walkers and I run at night, not in the park, round the block. I haven't been having many encounters with people lately because of the weather and the pitch black but it really grinds my gear when I try my best to avoid people but they still block me. Whenever I see a runner, I will move out of their way as best I can. I went to dodge a guy during the summer when I was running and he actually stepped into my way? What the fudge??

I thought I was going to completely lose the rag when I took part in the womens mini marathon, walkers in the jogging section. >.< I get sooo annoyed and impatient.

I know I don't own the footpath but either do the walkers!! I try my best to not get in peoples way but I definitely think some people have a thing against runners! Thank god for winter!!

Emmm..... I think you should probably go running at midnight... in a field.. when it's raining... somewhere in Sligo.

summit2summit

Pacing Mule wrote: »

Mrs Mule just went to sign up and found that entry is now closed as race is full.

I did not register, I was planning to just show up and run and help them out at the finish line.

maguic24

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Emmm..... I think you should probably go running at midnight... in a field.. when it's raining... somewhere in Sligo.

I'm not that bad, I haven't knocked anyone over yet. :P Although, I've felt like it! I usually run by myself or with my bf but if we seen people coming we would go single file never two abreast. It's big groups of people who get in the way that really get to me.

rom

Simple fact is that completing a 5k may make people feel good and it is a step in the right direction it ain't a story to tell the grand kids. The complete lack of personal obligation for people to live healthy to benefit both them and their families is astounding. Shows like OT and the biggest loser play into the insecurity of the audience. People watch a soap because the people in the soap lives are so much worse so they feel better. Shows like this have people that are at the high end of the scale so people feel a bit better about their spare tire or bingo wings. OT does is simply a method for RTE to sell ads around the show and the panel to pedal uninformed books about their lack of expertise*.

* Meal on the first day contained "home fries" and fish covered in corn flakes as an alternative to a "take away" ffs. As for fitness "expert" http://karlhenry.ie/karl-henry (4 IM 1 finish, maybe one sub 4 marathon). I think he should find a good trainer to help him out.

God I hate OT (but I have to watch it )
John Tracy got his Olympic silver upgraded to gold last night on it.

Krusty_Clown

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I wouldn't be caught dead at an Operation Transformation 5k. Call it snobbery if you like, but I think that a bit of a disservice. It's not aimed at my demographic and I have no interest in participating in an event tied to a 'reality tv'-style show. It is certainly commendable, as it is trying to change the lifestyle of those who have come close to rock-bottom in a positive way, as well as encouraging exercise, but at the end of the day, it's another tv show tie-in, by a company that responsible for other 'greats' like 'The HIT', 'Superstar Ding Dong', and 'Neville’s Doorstep Challenge'.

To be honest, I'd prefer to see those who participate in Operation Transformation taking responsibility for their own lifestyle, rather than having it determined by a series of TV shows, radio programs and podcasts, as I reckon they'd have a greater chance of maintaining their regime, but whatever works to get people on the right path.... I just don't see any reason I should be judged, for not wanting to be a part of it.

I was planning my post but you articulated it so much better than I would have done!

I have no snobbery about anyone who heads out and does a 5k or a 10k...maybe a fear that they'll be passing me out before long. But I do have a slight snobbery about anyone who watches crap like Operation Transformation or any of those lifestyle programmes, presented by some luvvies who are flavour of the month with some tv exec somewhere, cos you know any real expert wouldn't be caught dead on those shows. A few years ago during the Gillian McKeith craze they were probably looking at their faeces and deciding that change meant eating more "things coloured green" (the full extent of the "Doctor's" medical knowledge).

maguic24

rom wrote: »

Simple fact is that completing a 5k may make people feel good and it is a step in the right direction it ain't a story to tell the grand kids. The complete lack of personal obligation for people to live healthy to benefit both them and their families is astounding. Shows like OT and the biggest loser play into the insecurity of the audience. People watch a soap because the people in the soap lives are so much worse so they feel better. Shows like this have people that are at the high end of the scale so people feel a bit better about their spare tire or bingo wings. OT does is simply a method for RTE to sell ads around the show and the panel to pedal uninformed books about their lack of expertise*.

* Meal on the first day contained "home fries" and fish covered in corn flakes as an alternative to a "take away" ffs. As for fitness "expert" http://karlhenry.ie/karl-henry (4 IM 1 finish, maybe one sub 4 marathon). I think he should find a good trainer to help him out.

God I hate OT (but I have to watch it )
John Tracy got his Olympic silver upgraded to gold last night on it.

Hit the nail on the head there!! When I was in college (final year in particular) and I was feeling a bit sad, I'd watch Teen Mom to feel better. Trash TV but it did make me feel better!! My life wasn't half as **** as theirs!

ThisRegard

Deleted User wrote: »

But I do have a slight snobbery about anyone who watches crap like Operation Transformation or any of those lifestyle programmes,

If such a program gets people out making an attempt to get fit and change from an unhealthy lifestyle, more the power to it, I wouldn't get sniffy about it.

Ososlo

Personally I feel that it would be very constructive to go back and visit the people from the first few shows to see if OT really did make any significant life long changes. They seem to make reference to one or two people from past shows now and again (our own KB being one of them!) but never speak a word about the majority of participants ever again. They should go back and re-visit each single participant and then we would see if OT actually works. This would probably be a reflection of how the "followers" ended up also.
I'm not against the show but it should have a more long-term view. Anything that gets people to start looking at their lifestyle has to be a good thing. If only one or two end up sticking with it then that's a positive. We all know it's just about viewing figures at the end of the day.

overpronator

If you pick up on snobbery (as you see it) as a trait in somebody else, be it in a running setting or wherever else just be thankful that you're aware enough to see it as such and make sure you don't act the same. Then try to look at other parts of your life where you not be quite so analytical in regards to yourself and endavour to not be a muppet in those areas too!
Swings and roundabouts people, don't waste time getting annoyed by complete strangers over trivialities.

ThisRegard

ThisRegard wrote: »

If such a program gets people out making an attempt to get fit and change from an unhealthy lifestyle, more the power to it, I wouldn't get sniffy about it.

True, but that could be said about just about any programme, if more people become aware of cancer 'cos of Coronation Street, or the benefits of baking 'cos of the Great British Bake Off, or spirituality 'cos of the Angelus and so on.

But I'd still be cynical and snobby about all of them...

ThisRegard

Some runner you are, sitting in every evening watching reality TV and soaps ! Get out of here you couch potato.

dna_leri

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Emmm..... I think you should probably go running at midnight... in a field.. when it's raining... somewhere in Sligo.

roscommon or leitrim

Cabaal

Ososlo wrote: »

Personally I feel that it would be very constructive to go back and visit the people from the first few shows to see if OT really did make any significant life long changes. They seem to make reference to one or two people from past shows now and again (our own KB being one of them!) but never speak a word about the majority of participants ever again. They should go back and re-visit each single participant and then we would see if OT actually works. This would probably be a reflection of how the "followers" ended up also.
I'm not against the show but it should have a more long-term view. Anything that gets people to start looking at their lifestyle has to be a good thing. If only one or two end up sticking with it then that's a positive. We all know it's just about viewing figures at the end of the day.

I don't think they'll do it for one important reason,
I very much doubt it made any long lasting impact on most of the people involved so it would be a very negative show and ruin their whole message.

People that have also put back on weight won't want to go back on tv, again for obvious reasons.

vitani

PaulieC wrote: »

It's a real shame that those 5000 or so folks did not have the self discipline to start exercising off their own bat and not have to wait for a TV program to tell them what to do.

Not necessarily. I ran it last year as my first 5k, but I'd started running independently before the programme started. It was just handy to have a 5k at about the right time for me, aimed towards people with a similar level of fitness. It was a non-intimidating atmosphere, which I think a lot of people need for their first race.

maguic24 wrote: »

Hit the nail on the head there!! When I was in college (final year in particular) and I was feeling a bit sad, I'd watch Teen Mom to feel better. Trash TV but it did make me feel better!! My life wasn't half as **** as theirs!

Shows like that, and The Biggest Loser and OT etc are my guilty pleasure as well. It probably is partly so I can sit there and smugly congratulate myself on how I'm not as 'bad' as the contestants appear to be. But it's also inspiring in a sense to see people change their lives - I know it's the producers just choosing what story to tell, but I like seeing people become happier over the course of the show and take control of their lives.

morceli

PaulieC wrote: »

It's a real shame that those 5000 or so folks did not have the self discipline to start exercising off their own bat and not have to wait for a TV program to tell them what to do.

Better late than never at least they are doing something about it now, everyone is not blessed with your dedication and work ethic so whats the point putting people down..

HelenAnne

Arbiter of Good Taste wrote: »

Maybe not snobbery, but I find some runners to be pig ignorant. Try walking in Phoenix Park and coming across some of these guys and gals running two, three, four-abreast. More often than not I get pushed or shouldered off the path. The path is for all walkers and runners to share. Surely it's the people who are taking up the full path to move over, and not push other sole users off the path.

My hubby runs so I'm not trying to make a blanket judgement, but it just seems to happen a hell of a lot.

That's a pity. We should all be able to share the paths! It can be accidental, though. In theory I would always give way to pedestrians / kids on bikes etc on the footpaths, but I'm sure there have been times when I'm chatting to someone / lost in thought where I've come a bit close to people, just like bikes have come close to me on the seafront, or pedestrians have veered in front of me etc. But I think if everyone just tries to be polite and accommodating there's room for us all!

(I know some runners have a 'no one gets in the way of my session' mentality, but hopefully not too many of them!)

Ososlo, I wouldn't be on the faster end of things either, but I always give a little wave and 'hello' to runners of all speeds, and the proportion of people who respond / ignore me seems pretty evenly spread across the running speeds!

Krusty_Clown

dna_leri wrote: »

roscommon or leitrim

Yes, but mostly Sligo.

Pacing Mule

Cabaal wrote: »

I don't think they'll do it for one important reason,
I very much doubt it made any long lasting impact on most of the people involved so it would be a very negative show and ruin their whole message.

People that have also put back on weight won't want to go back on tv, again for obvious reasons.

I remember watching an episode of The Biggest Loser where they had all of the former champions on it. Most had put a little weight on but you would expect that given the extreme weight loss they do for the show. It was quite positive though.

But then away from camera as such you get articles like this:

http://healthyeater.com/biggest-loser-then-now

conavitzky

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Yes, but mostly Sligo.

Down with that sort of thing! Boo!

HelenAnne

rom wrote: »

. Shows like this have people that are at the high end of the scale so people feel a bit better about their spare tire or bingo wings. .

Actually, one thing I think is v good about OT compared to the American diet shows is that the people are NOT all at the higher end of the scale. They're probably bigger than people on this forum, as we are runners, but they're not all people the average Irish person would think of as obese or unhealthy. I think it does a good service showing that even a relatively small amount of extra weight can damage your health.

T runner

morceli wrote: »

Better late than never at least they are doing something about it now, everyone is not blessed with your dedication and work ethic so whats the point putting people down..

Id agree with that. I think if were all being honest, those of us who weren't life long fitness people decided to improve ourselves as a result of some stimulus.

They may have been thinking about it for a while, but there will be some stimulus (a negative last straw, or a positive, perhaps, a friend's influence).
OT is just another stimulus, and to be fair, the people it reaches are the ones least likely to get that stimulus in other ways.

Of-course they are after ratings, even national stations must be popular within current budgets, but if people are being motivated to get out there and give it a go as a result, so what?

PaulieC

morceli wrote: »

Better late than never at least they are doing something about it now, everyone is not blessed with your dedication and work ethic so whats the point putting people down..

I'm not putting anyone down. Yes it is better late than never, but really only if it's kept up. If they stop as soon as the series ends then there is no point to it. Obviously I wasn't referring to folks who did the 5k who had already started a regime, more the people who saw it on TV and it became flavor of the month.

If you start it, keep it up, more power to you. The rewards are great. For the majority of people it's not difficult to fit in an exercise regime and if those people say it is, they are just lying to themselves.

bambergbike

I think it would be a shame if there were no experienced runners at all in events aimed at novices.

I did an event in October where there was a 5k "fun run" option and a 13k option. The 5k was won by somebody who was obviously not a "fun runner" in the sense of being a relative novice. He was an experienced triathlete and he outran the "fun runners" with ease. I heard really derisive remarks being made about him in the clubhouse afterwards: shouldn't he have left the 5k to the beginners, wasn't it pathetically immature of him to be collecting a fun run medal and a crate of beer and getting his name in the paper for knocking out a 5k? Wasn't it shooting fish in a barrel?

I could sort of see the point - he did sound vain and a bit insecure - but at the same time:

1. The fun runners probably enjoyed doing a "real" event with tough competition. The middling-good ones probably got something out of having a hare to chase and seeing what was possible over the distance.

2. The fast man had every right to choose his distance on the basis of what fitted into his current training. If he needed a fast 5k event, so be it. It's not as if a complete novice would have won if he hadn't - it would have been somebody on a "fun runner to real runner" trajectory. So no harm done, really, all he achieved was to get his peers sniggering about him behind his back.

3. I thought that the whole "fun run distance"/"real run distance" was offputting, anyway. I was almost put off doing the longer course by the idea that the fun runners were "supposed" to be doing the shorter one and that I was effectively declaring myself to have graduated as a "real runner" by signing up for the longer one. I knew my time wouldn't back that up, so the whole thing created headaches for me. In a sense, I had the same problem as the winner of the 5k, but in reverse.

RayCun

bambergbike wrote: »

The 5k was won by somebody who was obviously not a "fun runner" in the sense of being a relative novice. He was an experienced triathlete

yeah, but could he run?
:D

maguic24

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Yes, but mostly Sligo.

I'm confused. Is there some underlying joke going here I'm not getting or are ya just slagging Sligo? I'm orginally from Longford by the way, so I don't feel I have the right to slag or criticise any other county.

cloudatlas

I remember reading a runner saying that he hated all these recession runners clogging up his marathon with their fun runs. Really I think fair play when I see anybody running, I have so many friends who can't be arsed and go on about how I'll damage my knees etc...

The knee whingers are worse than the snobs.

Cabaal

cloudatlas wrote: »

Really I think fair play when I see anybody running, I have so many friends who can't be arsed and go on about how I'll damage my knees etc...

I get this from two-three people in my family every few weeks and it really bugs me!

I always point to my uncle who's had both knee's replaced, the most sporty thing he's ever done was abit of golf during the past 10 years after he retired.

maguic24

cloudatlas wrote: »

I remember reading a runner saying that he hated all these recession runners clogging up his marathon with their fun runs. Really I think fair play when I see anybody running, I have so many friends who can't be arsed and go on about how I'll damage my knees etc...

The knee whingers are worse than the snobs.

+1. People have all the excuses under the sun not to run!! That is the most common excuse, fecking knee whingers!

I am also so sick of people asking me why I run. 'Sure you don't need to run, you're not heavy, blah blah blah!!' Yes I run to stay in shape but I also run because I like it and I like the way it makes me feel . My mam actually feels sorry me, she thinks I am somehow torturing myself by running instead of 'tightening up my diet'. Somebody shoot me now!

Krusty_Clown

maguic24 wrote: »

I'm confused. Is there some underlying joke going here I'm not getting or are ya just slagging Sligo? I'm orginally from Longford by the way, so I don't feel I have the right to slag or criticise any other county.

I chose Sligo at random, but when a few people from Sligo chime-in, sure you can't stop there! I should have run with Cavan, as none of them have computers, so wouldn't be reading this thread. Snobbery at its finest.

Craptacular

rom wrote: »

As for fitness "expert" http://karlhenry.ie/karl-henry (4 IM 1 finish, maybe one sub 4 marathon).

Perfect example of running snobbery.